Charlie Hunnamis set to star in an adaptation ofBen Moon’s moving memoirDenali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime, whichMax Winkler(Ceremony) will write and direct for Spyglass Media Group.
Denalistarted as an eight-minute film that Moon, who works as a photographer, created as a love letter to his dog. The touching short film went viral and received millions of deals, culminating in festival awards, TV appearances, and eventually a publishing deal with Penguin Random House, which just released Moon’s memoir in January.
The book chronicles Moon’s 15-year friendship with Denali, who Moon rescued from a shelter upon moving to Oregon and feeling an instant connection with the pup. The two of them set out on an adventure across the American west but their journey was cut short when Moon was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 29. He faced a difficult battle with the disease, but Denali never once left his side, and ultimately, Moon made a full recovery. A short time later, Denali was diagnosed with cancer as well, and it was Moon’s turn to hold his furry friend’s paw.
Albert BergerandRon Yerxawill produce Denali under their Bona Fide Productions banner alongside Hunnam, who made one of his early film appearances in their 2003 dramaCold Mountain. The project also serves as a reunion between Hunnam and Winkler, who worked together on the upcoming boxing dramaJungleland, which co-starsJack O’Connelland was recently acquired by Lionsgate.
Hunnam can currently be seen inGuy Ritchie’sThe GentlemenandJustin Kurzel’sspirited indieTrue History of the Kelly Gang. Best known for his turns inPacific Rim,King Arthurand the TV seriesSons of Anarchy, Hunnam also stars in the upcoming Apple seriesShantaram.
Up next for Winkler is the Freeform dramaLast Summer, which takes places in a small Texas town where a popular teen is abducted, and another girl rises to take her place in the social stratum. He’s also set to direct Universal’sJonah HillmovieThe Adventurer’s Handbook,which he adapted with writing partnerMatt Spicer, with whom he co-wrote Disney’s forthcoming reboot ofThe Rocketeer.Deadlinebroke the news about Winkler re-teaming with Hunnam onDenali.
And hey, speaking of dogs,Channing Tatumis slated to make his own dog movie, which is simply titledDog. Click here to read more about that project and how it differs from Hunnam’s more dramatic film.
